Maths Inspiration: Playing for Real

Portsmouth (Morning Show)

Overview

Maths Inspiration is a national programme of interactive maths lectures for students in Years 9 and 10. These exciting events give these young people a chance to experience the UK's most inspiring maths speakers live in theatres, presenting maths in the context of exciting, real-world applications.

This summer series of lectures, Playing for Real, is a joint venture presented by Maths Inspiration and the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme. If you think games are just for fun, then think again! Games contain some of the most important maths you'll ever need in everyday life, from managing money to out-thinking competitors. Our speakers will demonstrate the unlikely usefulness of probability, puzzles and percentages. You'll get the chance to play some games, and you could even win a prize.

All shows have three interactive talks, an interval and a lively Q&A session to enjoy. Many of the events feature mathematicians, engineers and statisticians in the hope of opening your students' eyes to a career in STEM.

Who will benefit from attending?

These lectures aim to inspire your Year 9s and 10s with a maths show that will captivate even your unenthusiastic mathematicians.

Content

Our Portsmouth shows will be hosted by author, professional magician and former teacher Andrew Jeffrey. He spends his time either training teachers, doing magic to help explain some aspects of maths, or performing magic shows which contain an unnecessarily high proportion of mathematics.

Andrew will be joined by Katie Steckles and Rob Eastaway. Katie is a mathematician based in Manchester and a member of Matt Parker's Think-Maths team. Since gaining her PhD she has travelled the country to talk about maths in schools, at science festivals, on BBC radio, at music festivals and on the world famous Numberphile channel. Rob is an author whose books on maths include the bestselling Why Do Buses Come in Threes? and The Hidden Maths of Support. Katie and Rob will play a number of games with the audience, at least one of which will feature some electronics.

Other Information

Feedback from teachers about past Maths Inspiration lectures:

"Brilliant – perfectly pitched!"

"The whole show was brilliant! I got back in time to teach the last lesson of the day and I was really buzzing."

"Students really enjoyed the games, and the participation was excellent."

"Seeing maths outside the classroom was invaluable!"

Please note that bookings for this event are handled by Maths Inspiration, and the 'Apply' link will take you to their website.

Cost

Tickets are £9 per student (inc. VAT). Teachers are admitted for free.